England's worst beaches are notorious for their filthy water and sewage issues, and are exposed to Holiday Park's second annual Brown Flag Awards. With its brave approach to environmental awareness, the company has issued a literal brown flag on its most polluted coastline, based on official environmental agency water quality data, as a harsh warning to potential swimmers about pollution just below the waves.
Holiday makers may want to cross Bognar Regis, Aldwick and North Blackpool off the list as all of these locations are designated as “poor” by environmental agencies due to summer water quality. The infamous brown flag condition is attributed to beaches with considerable levels of harmful bacteria, including e-coli from sewage and other waste. Destinations such as Blackpool, Weston Supermare and Bognaregis show some of the most surprising results with water cleanliness, indicating potential dangers at these popular resorts.
However, it is important to note that not all parts of these beaches are affected. This is because sometimes ratings apply only to certain sections.
The brown flapping beach tally has skyrocketed surprisingly from 13 in 2024. “We wanted to have fewer brown flags this year,” said Robbie Lane, an campaigner from Guru at Holiday Park.
Water quality measurements are based on measurements taken during the warm months when people are most likely to be swimming.
Furthermore, increased rainfall causes more unpleasant substances to flood the river and ultimately flood the ocean, making the ocean less likely to be clean in winter and less likely to be clean, Mirrornolin reports.
Lancashire once again found himself at the bottom of the County League table, with none of the 10 designated bathing spots achieving the 3-star “excellent” cleanliness required by the Environment Agency.
Somerset, Cumbria, Merseyside and Kent also find themselves in pain at the bottom half of the league table.
In contrast, Northumberland has taken the top spot, with over 90% beaches being a 3-star gem, achieving the highest possible score for water cleanliness. Dorset, Devon and Cornwall are also highly rated.
Isle of Wight, Durham County, Lincolnshire and Suffolk deserve recognition, and all designated bathing areas receive one of the top two ratings (“good” or “good”).
Brown Flag Award Winner
(Listed alphabetical order and marked with new entrants labeled “Pcoma”).
Porthrunny of Cornwall Cost Guard Beach, Herme Estuary, Devon (Pcomer, 2025) Lime Regis Church, Cliff Beach, Dorset (Pcomer, 2025) Dining Church, Kent (Pcomer, 2025) Dining Church, Kent (Pcomer, 2025) Anne North of Lancasile Harem, Maine, Weston Supermarre Sand Bay, Weston Supermare Uphill Slipway Somerset Blue Anchor West Somerset Blue Anchor West (2025 Phucomer) Bognear Regis, Aldwick House Tyne and Wear Wear Little Haven Beach (2025 Phucomer) North Yorkshire Bridlington Scarborough South Bay Yorkshire East Riding South Beach
